Origin and Fact About Indian Rugs & Carpets

• 22 July 2022
• 6 Min Read
• By Jaipur Rugs

Do you wish to welcome your guests with warmth, luxury, and elegance? Bring home patterned Indian rugs that will steal the show of your home and woo your visitors with its exquisite functionality and design aesthetics. Indian rugs and Indian carpets are wonderful assets irrespective of the décor theme you’ve applied to your house. Traditional, transitional, mid-century modern, bohemian, or a mixed décor palette—Indian rugs and Indian carpets are a thing of beauty.

Indian rugs and Indian carpets have their own charm. They are not only desired in the homeland but are in high demand worldwide. They're noted for their intricate designs, rich colors, and motifs that cover the rug's surface. They are a beautiful addition to the floor and the overall area. Indian carpets are unlike any other carpet and showcase the intricacy and detail that is unique to the eyes and senses. One special feature of Indian carpets is the beautiful manner in which their knots are braided. Even the density of knots is somewhat higher than other types of carpets. The amount of knots per square inch is something that will steal your attention in Indian carpets.

Regarding Indian carpets, the knots might range from 25 to 194 knots or even more at times. As a result, each carpet contains millions of knots. Previously, individuals would draw inspiration from nature or weave personal stories onto their carpets, knot by knot.

Today, Indian carpets have occupied a dominant position in India and elsewhere. Let us explore 6 common questions and answers asked about Indian carpets.

1. What is the history of Indian rugs and Indian carpets?

The art of carpet making was introduced by the great sultan Akbar (1556-1605), who brought in Persian weavers and experienced pattern painters to India. The main idea was to produce carpets for his palace. During the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, numerous magnificent Persian-patterned carpets were produced here, using the best sheep wool and silk. Except for a few lesser works in the cities of Srinagar, Amritsar, and Agra, the quality declined during the 19th century and until the middle of the 20th century. Commercial manufacturing reawakened after India's independence in 1947. Even though the majority of the weavers relocated to Pakistan, they were able to re-establish themselves because of a focus on youth, men's and women's education.
 

2. What are Indian rugs called?

Indian rugs are known by various synonymous names for their difference in design and origin. They are also sometimes known as oriental Indian rugs. Persian motifs are frequently imitated. Indian cashmere carpets, for example, are becoming increasingly popular since they are knotted from high-quality natural silk and are significantly less expensive than Persian silk carpets. Indian knotting incorporates certain Chinese motifs. The Indian Gabbeh, for example, is based on the design of Iran's well-known Gabbeh rugs. Even though carpet production in India has leveled off in recent years, Agra and Amritsar are still well-known centers for carpet knotting in the country's north.

3. How are Indian rugs knotted?  

Indian carpets have one-of-a-kind designs. Since the rugs are all made by hand and were inspired by surroundings or carvings on the walls of ancient monuments and buildings, therefore, no pieces were alike. The motifs on Indian rugs incorporate intricate details that form an unrepeatable pattern. Each strand of yarn is tied with a hand, transforming it into a piece of art. Since the work of hands is involved, it makes the carpet imperfect yet unique in all aspects.
 

4. What are some of the famous carpets in India?

In a country where carpet making is the love of many artisans, there is no dearth of good quality carpets in India. There are many different types of rugs made in India. However, the most eye-catching ones are the Agra rugs, which are made in the city of Agra. Agra rugs have a delicate color palette, and extremely artistic motifs have earned them a cult following. This is because, as historical chronicles show, arts and culture have always been actively funded in India, particularly during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Rug weaving, once regarded as a high art form, has grown since then. These opulent floor coverings, woven with the greatest quality and materials, were sent as presents to Indian and international palaces.

5. What is the quality of handmade wool rugs from India?

Handmade rugs and carpets are made with the utmost care by the local weavers and infuse their craftsmanship. Indian weavers usually meet customers' requests efficiently and construct carpets for them based on their individual wants, tastes, specifications, and expectations, regardless of the type of design they desire. Weavers of custom handmade Indian rugs can even suit the needs of customers who are having trouble choosing the perfect rug for their houses since they have their own interior décor that has been specifically developed for them. If you do have enough space in your room, you can also get an especially mad handmade rug made according to your home. Indian craftspeople use high-quality natural materials like wool and silk to make their rugs. Indian craftspeople use high-quality natural materials like wool and silk to make their rugs. Rug-making enterprises in India get these materials both domestically and internationally. Some of them buy New Zealand wool, which is consistently robust, silky, and colors well. The silk used by these enterprises is typically from China or India, and the quality and finish can range from faintly shiny to extremely lustrous. Also, owing to the high quality of natural materials used for making Indian rugs, they are usually very strong and long-lasting. These durable Indian rugs stay unaffected by environmental factors. For this reason, Indian rugs and carpets will serve users for many years to come and provide maximum value to the customers.
 

6. What are the most famous types of Indian Carpets?

There are many types of Indian carpets and rugs in India, and they are classified based on several criteria. Some of the most famous types of Indian carpets are wool carpets, bamboo, cotton, jute, coir, and grass carpets. They truly make for attractive Indian floor coverings.  Another form of famous carpet is the Mughal-style carpet, which is one of the oldest ones. These Persian rugs and carpets evolved and replaced the previous Persian styles. The Mughal style of carpet became prominent in India due to the influence of Jahangir (reigned 1605-1627).

Antique Indian rugs are another attraction and are not exactly similar to Persian carpets. Also, antique Indian carpets are quite expensive. Almost all known antique Indian rugs are housed in museums; they date from the 16th to 17th centuries and can be divided into design types with differing degrees of attribution to central or eastern Persia. The regions where they were manufactured cannot be identified with precision due to their artistic consistency.

Another special Indian carpet type is the floral rugs or floral carpets. Such carpets are covered with patterns of flowering plants, which are often of many different species, arranged in a grid that varies in shape throughout the body.

Indian carpets are a combination of deep, intricate designs, patterns, and colors. They are one of the best carpets to ornament the floor of your traditional home. If you wish to get some of the best Indian carpets and rugs, you can also shop for them online.  

FAQs

Which place is famous for carpets in India?

Jaipur and Bhadohi are both famous places for carpets in India. Bhadohi is known for its hand-woven carpets, while Jaipur is famous for its traditional block-printed textiles and handmade rugs. Both places have a rich history of carpet-making and are popular destinations for tourists seeking unique and high-quality carpets.

What are rugs made in India called?

Indian rugs are often referred to as "Indian carpets." They are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and high quality. These rugs can be made using traditional techniques such as hand-knotting, hand-tufting, and hand-weaving and can be made of wool, silk, or cotton. Indian rugs are popular for their beauty and durability, making them a top choice for home décor and flooring.

Which city is known as Carpet City?

Bhadohi, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is called the "Carpet City." Bhadohi is famous for its hand-woven carpets and is one of the largest producers of handmade carpets in India. The city has a rich history of carpet-making and is home to numerous carpet-weaving workshops, where skilled artisans produce high-quality carpets using traditional techniques. Bhadohi is a popular destination for tourists seeking unique and beautiful carpets and is widely recognized as the "Carpet Capital" of India.